2025 Novice Chasers

[Odin]

Firefox - Jack
DML - Walsh
ITP - Blackmore

JP and Gordon could get both their respective Arkle runners with decent jockeys on board. JP’s could still try and be handicapped but I think they’re both good enough to go the graded route.

Yeah, I've come around to this way of thinking in the last half hour. Think there was definitely an element of not wanting that DML performance to be Arkle class. I'm still not sure how good it was in terms of handicap mark but I've had to cover as the scenario you've said strikes me as the most obvious one. Could be a humdinger of an Arkle this!

[Kautostar]

Is that confirmed now? I've heard both "limited handicap" for the 2.5 miler and "0-145" from different people?

If it is limited handicap, even more reason for DML to go the 2.5 mile route I'd argue as he'll get a better mark than inthepocket or iberico lord for the McManus team

My understanding of it is there is no handicap rating band for the novice hcap chase. The 0-145 is for the NHC

[Istabraq]

My understanding of it is there is no handicap rating band for the novice hcap chase. The 0-145 is for the NHC

I may have dreamt it but in my mind I have 12lb band for the new Turners, no upper limit but the 'limited' relates to the range.
I couldn't say where I heard that...

[Lobos]

I've watched the race back again and the one I'd take out of the race is Birdie or Bust. Didn't try and inch but ran on sweetly when the race was over.

[Magpie]

I've watched the race back again and the one I'd take out of the race is Birdie or Bust. Didn't try and inch but ran on sweetly when the race was over.

Agree with you they Lobos, was counting my winnings, and then my ew money, and then nout. Swine trainer.

[Eggs]

I've watched the race back again and the one I'd take out of the race is Birdie or Bust. Didn't try and inch but ran on sweetly when the race was over.

….it was her debut over fences, would you think that’s with a view to Mares Chase or a handicap? A few firms have pushed her out to 25-1 MC.

[ComplyOrDie]

Cracking start by Better Days Ahead.

Love him.

[Yosser]

Don't think Slade Steel is a top chaser. 1st run but not for me.

[darlojim]

Slade steel was economical in the first half of the race but then jumping kind of went to pot

Duno why Darragh took so long to switch outside of BDA aswell when it was evident that BDA was going badly left at his fences


BDA very good, but 20s still there for the BANC, hasn't enticed me in yet :/

[Craigy14]

Poor jumper to me. HDB will need to work some magic but on that performance no chance at 2m.

[Eggs]

…looks like Sky have pushed SS out to 33-1 (BANC), whilst BDA is a stand-out 20-1 PP/BFSB. SS 16-1 Arkle.

[Lobos]

Novicey round from SS and looked like he'd want softer ground. Very good from BDA. Jumped and stayed on really well.

[Exar Essay]

20/1 looks very fair in a division that doesn’t have an apparent superstar at this stage.

[YoungHustler]

Poor jumper to me. HDB will need to work some magic but on that performance no chance at 2m.

It's funny how we can all have different opinions as I thought Slade Steel jumped fine for his first start over fences. BDA caught the last in his stride whereas SS didn't and had to slow down so it was all over after that.

[darlojim]

Had to go out straight after the race - did anyone happen to see a head on replay down the straight at Navan, and if so, did Better Days Ahead shift much left? On the side on view, it looked like he was almost lunging out that way and I presume there won't be a replay of the head on anywhere.